The tunnels at Cu Chi are an amazing network that run under the city.  They run for 250km and once housed a community there.  They were built during the 1940s during the French occupation and further expanded during the Vietnam War.  It was an area where many people went about their ordinary lives including marrying and having their families and a place where they felt safe.  But it should not be forgotten that there 10,000 people died here.  Considering what happened during the Vietnam War there are few signs of the damage that was inflicted.  The tunnels are often visited by school children and members of the communist party and they see it as shrine.  It will always be a place of great importance to them and tourists see it the same way.
Facts

• The main souvenirs are war related, but there are also the same sorts of handicrafts that can be found elsewhere in Vietnam.
• The population is in the region of 270,000 and it was at one time the headquarters for the Viet Cong.
• Souvenirs of the war can be bought from a selection of stalls set up nearby but beware that the very popular Zippo lighter has probably only been made a little time earlier.

History and Culture

This area has been considered the most bombed and gassed area from any war.  The tunnels were instrumental in saving so many lives and the help they gave to the Viet Cong in incalculable.  It took 25 years to complete them and they were built with the most rudimentary of tools.  Their main aim was to help people to travel from village to village without being subject.  It is from this area that the fight back was planned.

Things to See and Do

There is the chance to fulfil your dream firing a weapon without the risk of hurting anyone.  Whether you prefer an AK47 or a Magnum 44 you can shoot away in safety.  For just $1 a bullet you can relive the experience of a war that many of us remember and a lot of people alive were involved in.  A visit to the tunnels is a must and it will be best to book before hand for a guided tour.  It is possible to just turn up and wait but it could take some time to get a tour together.  No one is allowed to go into the tunnels alone.  Nearby is a small war museum with an entry fee of just $1.

Nightlife

The area does not have much of a night life and for something to do in the evening it will be best to be in Ho Chi Minh City.  The tunnels are the main attraction at Cu Chi and they are a bus ride away from everything Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

Eating and Drinking

As the tunnels are mainly used for tours, there is no food provided.  Anyone who is booking a trip will be made aware that they need to take their own food and drink.  Accommodation will be in Ho Chi Minh City if you are planning to stay in the area for a few days.

This area was a favorite of the French who went there to escape the sweltering conditions in Ho Chi Minh City.  It is still full of villas that they built and their heritage can be seen throughout the area.  It is a beautiful area with a lake in the center and caters for many different types of tourist from the more adventurous travellers to those wishing to relax and play golf.  It is easy to work around Da Lat although taxis are not expensive.  Hiring a motor bike is not recommended as you should have a Vietnamese license.  Any accident will be considered your fault and you will not be insured.

Facts

• Make sure trips are arranged through registered organizations as they will have insurance.  They will still charge you twice the price the Vietnamese pay but at least you are covered.
• Rooms can cost as little as $4 per night in the low season while the extreme of the scale is The Da Lat Palace Heritage Luxury Hotel which is the only 5 star hotel available.  It has its own golf course and many scandals have played out there over the decades.
• The main souvenirs will be either dried or candied fruits or silk items including pictures.
• The area is made up of the strange combination of tourism and scientific research.

History and Culture

From the 1890s the French settled in Da Lat.  At one time it was the capital of Indochina and has not been badly scarred by wars.  There was some fighting during the American War but just for a short time in 1968.

Things to See and Do

The Da Lat market is famous for fresh Vietnamese food including fruits and jams.  The Lang Biang Mountain is ideal for the more energetic traveler who can face the three hour trek to the top.  A beautiful place to visit is the Lake of Sighs where you will hear the story of the lovers who died there.  The Nha Tho Domaine de Marie is a pink church that is not only amazing to look at but a good place to buy fruits and snacks provided by the nuns.  Most of the entertainment here will be centered on sport, history or scenery.  There is a guest house known as the Crazy House.  It is shaped like a banyan tree with a cave.  The architect Dang Viet Nga says he took his influence from Gaudi.

Nightlife

The city does come alive at night and there are many bars to choose from.  The Saigon Night Bar is popular with tourists and locals and many nights can be spent playing pool.  Plenty of places provide karaoke but there are quieter places if that is not your thing.

Eating and Drinking

You will find cuisine from many nations and as would be expected French cuisine features heavily.  The V Cafe covers food from all over the world and is considered one of the best places to go to hear live music.  Larry’s Bar is considered to serve the best pizza and is one of the few bars that stay open after midnight.  Saigon Night is also open late and probably has the cheapest beer in the city.

There are 20 islands that make up Con Dao and they retain much of their old style charm.  They are an ideal place to get away from it all and their remoteness is part of their charm.  Although the islands are beautiful at any time of the year, if you visit between July and September your activities may be stifled due to the winds and storms.  The islands are close together and it will not take long to travel between them.  Some of the islands are linked but there are occasions when you will need to use a boat.

Facts

• 80% of the area is still left in a natural condition and most islands are easily travelled by foot.
• The sun is so hot that it is more sensible not to walk around too much in the morning.
• There are two National Parks and they are able to use their status to prevent over fishing in the area.
• The islands have 1,000 hectares of coral reefs and over 1,300 marine species so diving is an amazing experience.

History and Culture

In 1702 the English East India Company was set up and based in Con Dao.  For a long time the islands were home to a large prison that was used to house political prisoners.  This continued when the name changed to Saigon and the building can still be seen.  Tours of the prisons are an important part of the trip here.

Things to See and Do

Along with the beautiful scenery and wildlife to see, the prisons are also a popular site for tourists to visit.  There are rare breeds of ape and squirrel although the most famous rare animal – the sea cow – is rarely seen.  Con Dao is also home to beaches that are ideal for relaxation and many of the 20 islands are good locations to start snorkelling.  Diving can also be arranged throughout the year.  The Turtle Tour is recommended and if you are there at the right time you can watch them lay their eggs.  There is also an opportunity to swim with turtles and dolphins. The museum gives an insight into life on the island and also the suffering of many of the inhabitants in the past.

Nightlife

There are bars and clubs around Con Dao but the islands are not the liveliest place to visit although they are still developing.  Stores sell alcohol and it will be easy to buy drinks if what you want is not available in the hotel.  Most tourists tend to stay in the same hotel they have eaten in as at least there will be some form of alcohol available.

Eating and Drinking

The islands are not as developed as other parts of Vietnam and the choice of places to eat is down to mainly local cuisine.  Fish is obviously a major part of the diet.  Good food is available in the hotels and the Saigon Con Dao Resort is popular with the local people.  They have live folk music and a good menu by the islands standards.  Coffee shops are plentiful and offer relatively cheap lunches.  Hotels do serve beer although some places may have items on the menu but not be able to get them for parts of the year.

The thing that will attract many visitors to Nha Trang as part of their Vietnam holiday is the beautiful beaches and the chance to partake in the water sports on offer.  Back packers now seem to be adding it to the list of places to stop off at in Vietnam.  There has been a history of ship building, but now the main industry is tourism and Nha Trang is considered to be the scuba diving capital of Vietnam.  Crime is low and the main incidents tend to be money or jewelry taken from lone travellers.  Stay with a group in order to avoid this.

Facts

• Nha Trang is considered to be an important location when it comes to marine research.
• The name has been translated to mean Reed River.
• One of the most famous former inhabitants was Alexandre Yersin who is known for his research into the bubonic plague.  He died on the island in 1943 and had set up a research institute.  He is remembered by having a street named after him and a museum opened bearing his name.
• There is a good public transport system and there are also plenty of taxis.  It is possible to negotiate a price but often just going by the price on the meter will give a better deal.

History and Culture

The former name of Nha Trang is Kauthara.  From the 16^th to the 19th century it was mainly a large area of beautiful landscaping and it was not until 1924 that it began to develop.  This continued until in 1992 it was declared a second class municipal city.

Things to See and Do

Many of the tourists will want to spend their time relaxing on the beaches and dipping into the clear clean water.  The winds are not strong so even inexperienced kite boarders will be safe trying out the activity.  There are a number of museums and historical sites to see while the Thap Ba mud bath is an experience to look forward to.  With a massage afterwards you will end up fully relaxed and ready to start again the following day.  A boat cruise can cost as little as $6 and this can include sightseeing and snorkelling.

Nightlife

There is not a great deal of nightlife but this is not the reason why many people visit.  Plenty of places stay open past midnight.  Around the Vietnamese New Year it does pick up a lot and there will be plenty of places to enjoy yourself.  During the rainy period the area is not as lively but there will still be something for everyone.  Live music is very popular and many places from cafes to bars provide it.  Crazy Kim’s Bar stays open until 1 am and is popular with younger visitors and locals.  If you still have the energy why not go to the Why Not Bar which will still be lively at 4 am.

Eating and Drinking

Fish will be a large part of any menu.  More exotic menus will have items such as jellyfish, although most will be the more traditional shellfish items.  Truc Linh serves a good mixture of Western and local cuisine while there are places that serve fast food such as Texas BarBQ and Steaks.

The population of Vinh is heading towards the 450,000 mark and 55% of them are employed in either tourism or the general service sectors.  Not many people visit for more than a day or so, so the chance to speak English to a native speaker will be taken at every possibility.  It is very close to the border with Laos and many people stay here as a stop off point on the way there.  Hotel prices range from $17-$70 so there will be something to suit all budgets.  The main reason for holiday makers to travel here is for the historic sites or the beach.  There is a Western feel to the city and as the locals are so polite and friendly, visitors often stay for longer than they intended.

Facts

• The area was devastated during the American War and the buildings that are here today are mainly from the German communist era in the 1960s.
• Ngyun Sinh Cung is known as the saviour of Vietnam and he changed his name to the more recognizable Ho Chi Minh.
• Gifts will largely be based around Ho Chi Minh and will be books about his life, t shirts and busts.
• If you manage to be there at the right time there are some amazing sunsets and some hotels have the restaurants located to make viewing them easy.

History and Culture

Vinh was founded in 1802 and was first damaged during the French Vietnamese War.  It is also the site of the first communist rebellion.  Its history is important to Vinh and they are proud of Ho Chi Minh and show it with monuments and statues to him.

Things to See and Do

One of the main tourist attractions is the village of Kim Lien which is the birthplace of Nguyen Sinh Cung born back in 1890.  The Citadel of Vinh was built initially of earth but was soon covered in stone.  There are 6 main areas to be visited and more is being recovered and hopefully it will be transformed into a park.  The Hong Son Temple is home to some old and impressive statures while the Can Linh Pagoda (Su Nu Pagoda) is considered a national heritage site.  Just 19km away is a beautiful white beach which makes a good place to relax even if the area is a little short on cleaning.  Just watching the traffic and the bikes go by can provide an experience you will not get anywhere else.

Nightlife

The main place to go to at night is the Zulu Bar.  From 7pm onwards the streets are bustling with revelers but they all disappear at around 10.30pm.  Karaoke is popular and there will be plenty of locals to compete with.

Eating and Drinking

There are some things to try that you may not see elsewhere.  Eel soup is very popular as is lizard flavoured rice wine.  Drinking is not expensive here as beer can cost 8000 dong ($0.40) while soft drinks and coffee are 6000 dong ($0.30).  At lunchtime the locals travel to Phan Chu Trinh where stalls sell snacks costing just 5000 – 10000 dong ($0.25-$0.50).

Ho Chi Minh City (sometimes called Hi Chi Minh City) is the largest city in Vietnam and was once called Saigon and before that Prey Nokor.  Parts of the area are still referred to as Saigon but usually the area most popular with tourists.  French and English is spoken to an extent and it will normally be possible to make yourself understood.

Facts

• This area has been called the Pearl of the Far East and the Paris of the Orient.
• There are two distinct seasons and the climate is classed as tropical.
• Traffic is chaotic and the only way to cross the road is to walk out and hold your nerve.  Lights are normally adhered to but for Westerners it is still daunting.
• The only danger is in the form of a scam where apparently you are recognized.  You will be invited to the house of a friendly family who will then either ask for money for a sick relative or have a business deal they would like to discuss.

History and Culture

There is a large French history as the city was taken over by the French in 1859.  The Viet Minh took control in 1954 and Saigon was often referred to as South Vietnam.  By 1975 and the end of the Vietnam war the Vietnamese People Party ruled until in 1976 when Saigon joined with other surrounding areas and became Ho Chi Minh City after the late Communist leader.

Things to See and Do

The Reunification Palace or Independence Palace is a place that is worthy of a visit.  It was formerly the presidential palace.  Among the things to see are propaganda films.  Add in a selection of 60s electronic goods and a replica of the tank that crashed through the gates at the end of the war and it is a snapshot of the Saigon of the 1960s and 70s.  There is a Museum of Vietnamese History plus The Ho Chi Minh Museum.  During the day you can shop at the Thanh market and then at 6pm when that closes there is the Night Market.  Visit the War Surplus Market with caution as many of the supposedly authentic items such as Zippo lighters are fake.

Nightlife

ZanZbar is popular with tourists and is well known for its selection of wines, while the 163 Cyclo Bar stays open until 2 am and its loud music can be heard down the street.  The Catwalk offers food drinks and a massage.  Add to that the casino and all you want for an evening’s entertainment is under one room.  American Disco is known as one of the best bars in Saigon and is as popular with locals as with tourists.

Eating and Drinking

As the areas popularity grows so do the prices.  The restaurants have seen price rises of up to 30% a year but there are still some nice places to go.  The French influence is here as well with a number of restaurants and many places selling baguettes.  Pancakes are popular and you can have the filling of your choice.  This can be fruit, meat or vegetable.  Fast food stores are becoming more popular with a few KFCs to be found but as yet no McDonalds.  Pho Bo Vien Quoc Ky provides filling and tasty soups and Papaya by Chi Nghia is a 5 star restaurant that provides Northern Vietnamese food.

On the way to Vietnam’s beautiful, sunny beaches for a holiday ? Then you might unwittingly also end up in Saigon for a day or two. If it’s an option – take the chance – you can experience both the old South East Asia and a modern chaotic metropolis. Here are our suggestions on what to do and see.

Getting Around: Metro and bus are not that good to be honest – the network is not so big considering the large population. Take a taxi, but avoid any motorcycle taxi in the extremely dense traffic. It’s not worth the risk.
Worth knowing: Saigon is officially called Ho Chi Minh City, but most say Saigon, as it was known before. Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon is Vietnam’s largest city with about 6.5 million inhabitants.

24 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City

08.00
Frightening war museum
Less than five months after the war ended in 1975 this museum opened. The war in Vietnam is called “American war” here. In the courtyard are various old American aircraft, tanks and bombs. But it’s hardly indicative of what’s is to come. Inside the exhibition rooms are eight thought-provoking, frightening exhibitions. Below are pictures of 134 war photographers who were killed during the wars in Indochina, against the colonial power France and the United States after that, among them Larry Burrows, Henri Huet, Robert Capa and Sean Flynn. There is also documentation on the half a million babies born with deformities after the U.S. spraying of Agent Orange. Thought provoking are the drawings that show the war through children’s eyes.

Address : War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan.

10:00
Permits the palace
This was the iconic location where, when the Vietnam War ended the last South Vietnamese president received the North Vietnamese soldiers here in April 30, 1975. The presidential Palace has been standing almost intact and is today a popular tourist destination. We found Mai Thanh Ngo, who fled to America in 1975, just before the regime collapsed.
“- I come back every year, ” she says. And then I will always come and remember.
Many people go up and bow to a Buddha statue.

Address : Reunification Palace, 106 Nguyen You

11:30
Terrifying temples
Chinese temples are always exciting to visit with their imaginative outfits. And the Jade Emperor, acquired Taoists supreme god, is one of the most intriguing we’ve seen. The smell of incense is intense here, the people kneeling in front of statues of terrifying appearance. In one room are twelve female figures in porcelain with children crawling on and around them.

Address : Jade Emperor Pagoda, 73 Mai Thi Luu

13:00
FNL restaurant Pho Binh
American soldiers peacefully ate noodle soup here during the Vietnam War. Two flights up was the FNL’s command center in Saigon.
And there was planned the Tet Offensive in 1968, the war turning point. Owner, Ngo Toai, died a few years ago, but his grandson, Ngo Duy Thinh, showing the room where the FNL leaders met in Saigon and the cupboard is full of awards.
Lunch consists of a fairly simple noodle soup.

Address : FNL restaurant Pho Binh, 7 Ly Chinh Thang

14:00
Oriental Market
Large, narrow, lovely oriental market under a roof. And surprisingly clean and tidy. It feels like they’re all here. We are looking for Vietnamese coffee, a real pleasure when it is high quality. We find for £15 for a kilo and then it’s still not the finest of fine, Kopi Luwak, which can cost between £140 and £900 kronor a kilo.
Kopi Luwak, the Vietnamese call it something like “weasel”, coffee, is roasted before it passed through the stomach and intestine of an Indian Palm Civet, a small cat sized animal. In this way, it has got a nice unique taste which lacks any bitterness.

Address : Ben Thanh Market, Intersection Le Loi and Ham Nghi.

15:30
Exciting scents of Chinatown
Cholon Saigon is “Chinatown”. This is tremendously exciting to walk around. Do not miss the quarter with traditional Chinese herbs and medicines, enjoy the scents and try to guess what it is that creeps into the jars. Check for example along the street D Trieu Quang Phuc.
Right next to the market is one of many notable temples in Cholon – Thien Hau. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau revered for her activities saving distressed seamen.
The ceiling is filled with spirals of incense and all roads are adorned with statues and icons.

Address : Cholon and Thien Hau Pagoda, 710 Nguyen Trai.

18:00
Shopping mall Tax
Tax is a modern department store, it doesn’t feel particularly cheap, but get up to the top floor and you will find goods at Asian prices.

Address : Tax Department Store, Corner of Le Loi and Nguyen Hue

20:00
Dinner with atmosphere
In a beautiful old building in traditional style is pleasant restaurant Hoi An. Floors and beams are in dark wood, and the interior feels like an old manor house, with nice atmosphere. On the second floor has a trio of traditional Vietnamese music.
Service and food is high class, and it is quite expensive for Vietnam. Here you’ll find specialties such as swallows’ nests (about £20) with sea cucumber and shark fin (about £65). But you can eat cheaply, too. Most main courses cost between £5 and £10.

Address : Hoi An restaurant, 11 Le Thanh Ton

22:30
Drink on the rooftop terrace
Roof terraces at Hotel Rex and the Caravelle Saigon are the best place for a little nightcap. Conveniently enough for one night in town, we took the Saigon Saigon Bar at The Caravelle Hotel.

Address : Rooftop Bar Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square

Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay.

On a simply stunning setting with a deserted beach only accessible by boat, the Six Senses Hideaway, Ninh Van Bay is a haven for those with relaxation in mind. As one of the most luxurious resorts in Vietnam you will receive a genuine Vietnamese welcome and have your own personal butler. Six Senses Hideaway is built in harmony with the surrounding nature, with rocks, coral reef, beach and mountains in the background. The hotel blends in well with the little unspoilt village it is situated in, but no lack of facilities; Six Senses Spa, of course, a lot of water sports including excellent snorkelling and excursions to the Mekong Delta can make a holiday or honeymoon here the travel highlight of a lifetime.

To book a holiday or honeymoon at The Six Senses, Vietnam try taking advantage of the online booking discount at Kuoni.co.uk or if you prefer the human touch try Holidays Please for a quote. What happens with Holidays Please is an experienced travel consultant will check all operators for you and give you their best quotes.

Six Senses Hideaway, Vietnam – Review

Enjoy the wonderful natural scenery and the amazing luxury of Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay. This Spa resort is beautifully situated at the Ninh Van Bay. The view is striking – dramatic cliffs in the background that frame the white, velvety, sandy beach and the crystal-clear, emerald-green water with its fabulous coral reefs. On holiday or honeymoon at The Six Senses Vietnam you live in one of the tastefully decorated, spacious villas equipped with wine cellars, espresso machine, DVD players and movies, iPod, direct dial telephone, minibar, satellite TV, and butler service around the clock. Several of the villas have garden and pool, and one of the most luxurious; Spa Suite Villa is located right next to the water. If you like an active holiday, this hotel is perfect for you: you can go to diving school, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, charter a boat, go on a fishing trip, play tennis, badminton and volleyball. You can also go on several exciting excursions to waterfalls, safari, cultural excursions to local villages and boat trips to explore the beautiful archipelago. Spend your day on the comfort of a sunbed at the hotel pool,  where there is no need to go out to lunch when you get hungry. Instead, the hotel served delicious, simple meals directly at the poolside. In the elegantly decorated restaurant you enjoy domestic and Western specialties while admiring the beautiful ocean views. As dusk fell it’s recommended to visit the cosy bar, where you can mingle with other guests and drink good cocktails.

Take a tour of two of Asia’s most interesting countries, with a story that leaves no one unmoved. The journey starts from Hanoi and includes beautiful Halong Bay islands. Travelling through Vietnam and Cambodia with an experienced local guide in a small group you will travel by foot, cyclo, dragon boat, sailing junk, plane bus and train!. Your guides understanding and knowledge of the local culture and language will prove invaluable as you journey through some fantastic scenery and cultural sites. Please click the map for a detailed itinerary and overview plus departure dates / booking information.

The above Vietnam and Camodia Tour from Intrepid Travel is an example of what’s on offer and one of the most well regarded tours available. For impartial listings of around a hundred tours and holidays in Vietnam try Responsible Travel. They have reviews, photos and more.

For a flight to Vietnam from London there is nothing direct. You will be flying in-direct to Vietnam, (Normally people travelling from The UK to Vietnam fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Min City) and you will normally have to change planes in one of the larger Asian hubs such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

Top picks for flights to Vietnam : Qatar Airways (flights from Manchester too), Singapore Air or Cathay Pacific. Otherwise look at ebookers.com which covers multiple airlines and is sometimes cheaper than the airlines direct.

The airport code for Hanoi, Vietnam is HAN

The airport code for Ho Chi Min City is SGN